ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

In the UK, it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. Not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.

Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing drugs, often without proper examinations. We went undercover to find out more.


What is an assessment?

A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and whether medications can assist. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to write notes of their symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then remember them. An assessment typically involves a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist.

You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. Doctors should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you to an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama programme raised questions about long-term prescriptions of powerful medications being given out by doctors, and an absence of proper care and consideration given to the medical history of patients.

If you are worried about your GP's attitude to ADHD consider a different GP. There's a helpful site on Psychiatry-UK which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters that you can use to present your request.

Private psychiatric services provide a much speedier and more qualified diagnosis, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and can offer an individual approach, particularly in cases where you might be highly intelligent or successful in your career. They can also screen for and assist with any co-morbidities commonly found alongside ADHD such as anxiety and depression.

The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they impact on your previous experiences.

The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug and therefore controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed only by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.

What is a diagnosis?

A diagnosis is a medical term that refers to the recognition of a condition, disease or injury. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is often accompanied by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part of the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often use the word and it is frequently used in periodical articles about health care.

There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist is also able to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker, more professional and more thorough process. They also be more aware of the other conditions that can cause confusion symptoms with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.

You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you've been diagnosed. This can include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medical treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to choose the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.

A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA as it assists people who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.

If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat ADHD, know that these are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you're worried, your psychiatrist can refer to an GP that can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a variety of factors to consider and the NHS is often overwhelmed and under-funded, making it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any potential diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the assessment, and try to be honest when describing your symptoms.

How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?

If you are concerned that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it is crucial to recognize that ADHD isn't an indication of lazyness or insufficiency; it is a normal neurobiological condition. It is also essential to realise that the right treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of living.

A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed history as well as a discussion of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires that are designed to determine ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.

The evaluator may also interview you and your family members, and may conduct cognitive tests or medical exams to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often have similar symptoms as ADHD.

During the evaluation, it is crucial that you are honest about your issues, and how they affect you at home, work, or at school. This is so that the evaluator can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.

After the assessment is completed the doctor will discuss your options regarding medication If you are thinking about these. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to seek an appointment with your doctor and he or she will create a form called a Shared care agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive on the NHS.

Before you take a diagnosis that is private, it is recommended to consult your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and learn more about their methods. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to match within 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.

Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?

If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose the mental health practitioner you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy), you'll need to ensure that your GP is willing to accept either full care or a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will allow you to find out if they are covered by agreements with NHS. You can also look up the waiting times on this site before you decide to sign up with a specific provider.

If cost of private adhd assessment refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and when they first started. This will assist your doctor to understand the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.

You can learn more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. So, even if you're diagnosed using this route, you may not be able to access the medication you require.

There are many alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences, such as the case if you want to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.

It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B drugs which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing a crime when you are taking these medications, you could be punished with a substantial fine, or even a prison sentence.

In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance or Income Support according to the severity of your condition. You will need to supply a letter from your provider which proves this, as well as the medical records.